Tag Archives: Animal biotechnology

By David Edwards, PhD Director, Animal Biotechnology, BIO One year ago, I was pleased to testify before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee (VMAC). The FDA convened its VMAC meetings on September 19-21, 2010 to discuss an application for a genetically engineered (GE) salmon. Developed by Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies, a BIO member, the AquAdvantage salmon has been genetically engineered to grow year-round. Conventional salmon only grow in warmer months. This Read More >

A number of media outlets including the New York Times reported on the June 15 vote on the House floor to deny funding for authorization of the genetically engineered AquAdvantage salmon. In response, BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood admonished the action for setting a dangerous and inappropriate precedent. “This amendment does a grave disservice to our Government’s science-based regulatory system. President Obama has called for America to lead on new technologies so as to Read More >

The Huffington Post ran on May 13 a very articulate piece authored by Minnesota corn farmer Noah Hultgren: According to some, I am a giant agribusiness — the worst kind of factory farmer. What qualifies me for this dubious distinction? Nothing except that, based on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) figures, my farm falls in the biggest six percent of U.S. farms. And these farms account for the bulk of federal farm policy support. It Read More >

As the world celebrates Earth Day 2011, the biotech industry is doing its part to make the food we eat and the products we consume more environmentally sustainable – from reducing carbon dioxide emissions to preserving endangered species. Here are five ways that biotech is making farming earth-friendly. 1. Protecting Soil, Air and Water: Farmers have found that the use of biotech crops can reduce the need for plowing to control weeds. No-till agriculture, in Read More >

The StarPheonix ran a commentary authored by Saskatoon-based farmer and agrologist Kevin Hursh about the perceived “risks” of biotech foods: A good scientist will never say there is zero risk, only that risk is minimal or negligible. Unfortunately, that isn’t good enough for consumers when it comes to the food supply. It’s now been 15 years since the introduction of genetically modified crops. A lot of consumers don’t even realize that GM crops have been Read More >